How Tall Was Rita Hayworth: Key Facts About Family Life
Rita Hayworth, one of Hollywood’s brightest stars of the Golden Age, remains an enduring icon of beauty, talent, and charisma. Known as the “Love Goddess,” she mesmerized audiences with her performances in films like Gilda (1946) and Cover Girl (1944). Beyond her on-screen presence, fans are intrigued by the details of her personal life, including her height, family, children, and legacy. This comprehensive article will explore all aspects of Rita Hayworth’s life, including her physical appearance, early years, family background, and more.
Quick Bio of: Rita Hayworth
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Margarita Carmen Cansino |
| Profession | Actress, Dancer, Singer |
| Birth Date | October 17, 1918 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Died | May 14, 1987 (aged 68) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million (adjusted for inflation) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouses | Five marriages, including Orson Welles and Prince Aly Khan |
| Children | 2 daughters (Rebecca Welles and Yasmin Aga Khan) |
| Notable Works | Gilda, Cover Girl, The Lady from Shanghai |
Early Life and Background
Rita Hayworth was born Margarita Carmen Cansino on October 17, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of Eduardo Cansino, a Spanish-born dancer, and Volga Hayworth, an American dancer of Irish-English descent. Growing up, Rita was surrounded by dance and music, and her family’s involvement in the entertainment industry heavily influenced her future career.
The Cansino family moved to California when Rita was a child, and she began training as a dancer under her father’s guidance. By her early teens, she was already performing in her father’s nightclub acts, showcasing her natural talent and charisma.
Despite her promising dance career, Rita faced challenges early on. Her family struggled financially during the Great Depression, and Rita took on numerous gigs to help support them. These formative years helped shape her work ethic and determination, traits that would later define her career in Hollywood.
Age and Physical Appearance
Rita Hayworth was known for her stunning beauty, which captivated audiences worldwide. At her peak, she stood 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm), which was considered tall for a woman in her era. Her height, combined with her hourglass figure, fiery red hair (achieved through dyeing), and striking features, made her one of the most glamorous actresses of her time.
Her iconic look was crafted by Hollywood, including her famous red hair transformation and her hairline being altered through electrolysis to create a higher forehead, which became one of her signature features. Rita’s beauty was so iconic that she was nicknamed “The Love Goddess,” symbolizing Hollywood’s ideal of femininity and allure during the 1940s and 1950s.
Education
Rita Hayworth’s formal education was relatively modest due to her early focus on dancing and performing. While she attended school during her childhood, her rigorous training schedule as a dancer left little time for traditional academics. However, her real education came from her father, Eduardo Cansino, who trained her extensively in flamenco and other dance styles, preparing her for a career in entertainment.
Her Father: Eduardo Cansino
Rita’s father, Eduardo Cansino, was a professional dancer from Castilleja de la Cuesta, Spain. He specialized in flamenco and classical Spanish dance and passed his passion for performing to his daughter. Eduardo was a strict but devoted teacher, and Rita often credited him with laying the foundation for her career in the entertainment industry.
The Cansino family’s dance troupe performed in various venues, and Eduardo’s dream was for his daughter to carry on the family legacy. While he was a significant influence on Rita’s career, their relationship was complex, as he was known to be a demanding and controlling figure.
Her Mother: Volga Hayworth
Rita’s mother, Volga Hayworth, was an American dancer of Irish and English descent. Unlike Eduardo, Volga was described as a more nurturing and supportive figure in Rita’s life. She encouraged her daughter to embrace her American roots while honoring her Spanish heritage. It was Volga’s maiden name, “Hayworth,” that Rita later adopted as her stage name, signaling her transition from Margarita Cansino to the Hollywood icon Rita Hayworth.
Children
Rita Hayworth had two daughters from her marriages:
- Rebecca Welles (1944-2004):
Rebecca was the daughter of Rita Hayworth and her second husband, Orson Welles, the legendary filmmaker. Despite being the child of two famous parents, Rebecca lived a relatively private life, avoiding the spotlight. - Yasmin Aga Khan (b. 1949):
Yasmin was the daughter of Rita Hayworth and Prince Aly Khan, her third husband. Yasmin became an advocate for Alzheimer’s disease awareness after her mother’s diagnosis and eventual death from the condition. Today, she continues to honor her mother’s legacy through her philanthropic work.
Who Is Rita Hayworth?
Rita Hayworth was not just a Hollywood star but also a cultural icon who defined an era. She was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time and a favorite pin-up girl during World War II. Her contributions to cinema, particularly her sultry performances in films like Gilda, remain timeless. However, Rita’s life was not without struggles. Behind her glamorous image was a woman who faced personal challenges, including tumultuous marriages, financial difficulties, and a battle with Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
Net Worth
At the height of her career, Rita Hayworth was one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. While her exact net worth during her lifetime is difficult to determine, it is estimated to have been around $10 million (adjusted for inflation). Unfortunately, due to poor financial management and lavish spending, she faced financial troubles later in life.
Current Life (Legacy)
Rita Hayworth passed away on May 14, 1987, at the age of 68, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was one of the first public figures to bring awareness to the illness, which was less understood at the time. Her daughter Yasmin Aga Khan became a prominent advocate for Alzheimer’s research, helping to raise millions for the cause.
Rita’s legacy lives on through her iconic film roles, her influence on fashion and beauty, and her contributions to the entertainment industry. She is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and her films continue to inspire new generations of performers.
Conclusion
Rita Hayworth’s life was a blend of triumph and tragedy. From her humble beginnings as Margarita Cansino to becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, she left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her beauty, talent, and charisma made her a global sensation, while her personal struggles humanized her and endeared her to fans even more.
Rita’s height of 5 feet 6 inches may seem like a small detail, but it symbolized the larger-than-life presence she had on and off the screen. Today, she remains a symbol of Old Hollywood glamour and a reminder of the resilience it takes to navigate fame, fortune, and personal adversity.
FAQ: How Tall Was Rita Hayworth
1. How tall was Rita Hayworth?
Rita Hayworth was 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm), which contributed to her elegant and commanding on-screen presence.
2. How many children did Rita Hayworth have?
Rita Hayworth had two daughters: Rebecca Welles (with Orson Welles) and Yasmin Aga Khan (with Prince Aly Khan).
3. Who were Rita Hayworth’s husbands?
Rita Hayworth was married five times:
- Edward C. Judson (1937-1942)
- Orson Welles (1943-1947)
- Prince Aly Khan (1949-1953)
- Dick Haymes (1953-1955)
- James Hill (1958-1961)
4. What was Rita Hayworth’s net worth?
Rita Hayworth’s net worth was estimated at $10 million (adjusted for inflation), though she faced financial difficulties later in life.
5. What is Rita Hayworth’s legacy?
Rita Hayworth is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, an enduring beauty icon, and a symbol of resilience. Her legacy also includes raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease through her life story.
